Attorney for Oklahoma priest says abuse claim not credible

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An attorney for a Roman Catholic priest who was removed from his ministry pending an investigation of alleged sexual abuse of a minor says the allegation isn't credible.

Attorney Stephen Jones represents the Rev. James Mickus, who the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has removed as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Chandler and Saint Louis Catholic Church in Stroud.

Jones wrote a letter to Archbishop Paul Coakley on Monday that questions Mickus's removal and says the allegation that prompted it was made more than 13 years ago.

Mickus was removed from ministry at an Enid church in 2002 over allegations of sexual abuse but was reinstated in 2003 when no evidence was found.